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- Buck is certainly content in his house in the "sun-kissed Santa
Clara Valley" at the outset of the story before he undergoes
enormous change. Does he betray himself, or return to his true
nature?
- Is Buck’s relationship with Thornton based on love, or loyalty?
Is there a difference? How is this different than what Buck might
have had with his old master, Judge Miller, in the beginning of the
story?
- At times, Buck gives in to orders to save himself beatings or
other misfortune. Yet at other times he steps up and fights, such as
when he wants to take the place of Spitz as lead dog. How does Buck
balance submission with dominance, and is there an overall trend
towards one from the other as the novella progresses?
- London sets the story at the time of the Alaskan (Klondike) Gold
Rush. How does this relate to Buck, his desires and his journey?
- This is a story about a dog, but what relevant questions might
it raise about humans? What insight can Buck’s journeys and
struggles provide?
- It is interesting that Thornton has to die before Buck can join
the wild. Does this suggest that permittivity is incompatible with
love? Does Buck have to choose certain characteristics over others?
* Some questions from SHMoop.
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